Posted on 10/15/2004 11:22:24 AM PDT by blogblogginaway
A 17-member Army Reserve platoon with troops from Jackson and around the Southeast deployed to Iraq is under arrest for refusing a "suicide mission" to deliver fuel, the troops' relatives said Thursday.
The soldiers refused an order on Wednesday to go to Taji, Iraq — north of Baghdad — because their vehicles were considered "deadlined" or extremely unsafe, said Patricia McCook of Jackson, wife of Sgt. Larry O. McCook.
Sgt. McCook, a deputy at the Hinds County Detention Center, and the 16 other members of the 343rd Quartermaster Company from Rock Hill, S.C., were read their rights and moved from the military barracks into tents, Patricia McCook said her husband told her during a panicked phone call about 5 a.m. Thursday.
The platoon could be charged with the willful disobeying of orders, punishable by dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay and up to five years confinement, said military law expert Mark Stevens, an associate professor of justice studies at Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, N.C.
No military officials were able to confirm or deny the detainment of the platoon Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson said he plans to submit a congressional inquiry today on behalf of the Mississippi soldiers to launch an investigation into whether they are being treated improperly.
"I would not want any member of the military to be put in a dangerous situation ill-equipped," said Thompson, who was contacted by families. "I have had similar complaints from military families about vehicles that weren't armor-plated, or bullet-proof vests that are outdated. It concerns me because we made over $150 billion in funds available to equip our forces in Iraq.
"President Bush takes the position that the troops are well-armed, but if this situation is true, it calls into question how honest he has been with the country," Thompson said.
(Excerpt) Read more at drudgereport.com ...
I think there is likely more to this story than what is being reported. It is 100% based on the relayed phone conversations of the troop's relatives.
I'm not saying it's false...but for me it doesn't pass the smell test. I could understand the arrest of an NCO with some degree of authority, but why all the drivers as well?
-Toonces
I have a feeling that it happens more often than we realize but this is an election year.
A soldier can refuse an unlawful order, but can't refuse a lawful order. That includes even stupid orders like "run across that field and charge that machine gun nest". Short of being order to kill non-combatants, these people don't have a leg to stand on.
Reminds me of firemen that like to drive the firetruck during parades but never go to any fires.
This is serious.
Do they they're in the military fighting a war?
I don't get the calling home and crying to their mammas and wives.
"A soldier can refuse an unlawful order, but can't refuse a lawful order. That includes even stupid orders like "run across that field and charge that machine gun nest". Short of being order to kill non-combatants, these people don't have a leg to stand on."
You are absolutely correct. One cannot refuse to follow an order because it puts them at risk. That is called cowardice.
The smell test that fails here is that a Dem Pol is already using this to smear the president about not supplying the troops.
Correct. Exactly. Absolutely.
And so it goes on - if this report is true -
Why did they wait until they got an order before pointing out the safety issue - was there something said before by these guys - on the equipment
And is there a mode of transportation that isn't in harms way by a bomb - completely -
How many people did Clinton and his gang get in - the ones just waiting to do someting - at the correct time - just wondering - Is everyone in the military on the same station -
President Bush said in public they would get what was needed - did anyone tell the people in charge in Iraq - and if so - did they pass it on - who is talking to who -
just thoughts -
I agree. To order military personal to attempt a dangerous mission with non-op equipment, is the equivalent of a 19th. Century General ordering a cavalry charge with dead horses.
There is more to "command" than just orders.
Delivery of fuel into a combat zone, could be considered an emergency.
This sounds more like a mutiny, not a failure to obey a lawful order.
With the current mission pace, normal maintenance may not being preformed, but as long as the brakes and lights work the vehicle can be moved.
I don't think I believe this account. Sounds like exaggeration to me for political reasons.
If this is true, they'll be in Leavenworth turning big rocks into little rocks.
I can just see it now, Headlines read soldiers tell General Eisenhower to call them after the beaches of Normandy are cleared of Germans.
I'm sorry something here is really suspicious. This more likely a pre-emptive strike because these guys disobeyed lawful orders. And while it is happening now by the time this is brought in front of a court marshal the election will be over.
Not a very bright move I suspect.
Hmm, I got a funny feeling about this story.
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